The history of the cocktail shaker

The main element of bar equipment is a shaker . This is the name given to a vessel with an airtight lid in which cocktails are mixed. It helps not only to quickly combine ingredients, but also turns the bartender’s work into a picturesque performance. This modest instrument is not so easy to choose - you need to know its features, types and methods of use.

What is a shaker

The bar vessel got its name from the English word “shake”, meaning “to shake”. During operation, shake it vigorously with your hands. This preparation method allows you to mix the components of complex drinks.

The device performs three more important functions:

cooling – the temperature of the liquid quickly decreases due to active interaction with ice;

dilution - strong alcohol included in the cocktail is diluted with water from gradually melting ice;

aeration – shaking saturates the liquid with oxygen, which enhances the taste.

In addition to practical benefits, the tool serves to entertain clients. It turns into an element of a virtuoso show in the hands of an experienced bartender.

History of appearance

Vessels for mixing drinks originate from ancient Mexico. Already 7000 BC. mixtures of alcohol and cocoa were prepared here. Archaeologists have discovered oblong gourds in local burials that were used as shakers. Similar items were found in Egyptian pyramids. But the modern glass for creating cocktails, as it looks now, appeared only in the middle of the 19th century. Before this, drinks were mixed by pouring them between two vessels. It is not known who exactly came up with the idea of connecting two glasses together, but the first description of the work of a bartender with a shaker is found in George Foster in 1848.

The instrument quickly gained popularity in bars and among lovers of home cocktails. The mixing technique was described in detail in books, including Jerry Thomas's famous How to Mix Drinks, published in 1862. The author, a legendary mixologist, states: “Every well-run bar has an egg-nogg tin shaker that is an excellent mixing aid.”

By the end of the 19th century, there were already different versions of the glass for whipping cocktails - French, Boston and cobbler. At first they were made of tin, but with the invention of stainless steel in 1913, this durable and corrosion-resistant material began to be used.

What is a shaker used for?

The main purpose of shaking drinks is to thoroughly mix the ingredients. This process introduces air bubbles into the liquid, which softens the sharp taste of the alcohol. Therefore, most cocktails containing whiskey, gin, rum and vermouth are prepared by shaking.

Among them:

• Margarita;
• Martini;
• Daiquiri;
• Gin and tonic;
• Tom Collins.

Drinks containing citrus juices, eggs, and dairy products are also prepared by vigorous shaking. This method allows you to create a uniform texture and beautiful foam. Cocktails consisting only of alcohol can be mixed simply with a bar spoon.

Types of shakers

The most common type of instrument is the Boston one . This is a set of two vessels - a metal can and a glass glass inserted inside. The elements are not fastened to each other, they are easy to separate. A transparent glass allows you to track the right amount of liquid.

The second type of device, the most popular in Europe, is French . It also consists of two parts, but made of metal. The product is more compact and convenient to use, making it suitable for beginner mixologists.

The third option is a European cobbler, consisting of a glass, a lid and a strainer. All elements are metal, so they quickly cool from ice. Using a cobbler takes practice and is usually used by experienced bartenders.

There is also a high-speed model of the device. It consists of a metal container and a cocktail glass in which the visitor is served a freshly prepared drink.

With the emergence of sports nutrition culture in the 21st century, electric shakers appeared. They are convenient for preparing protein shakes for athletes. Bartenders rarely use electric devices, preferring the classic shaking show.

Volume

The capacity of the vessel depends on the number of servings for which it is designed. A regular cocktail glass contains 150 ml. Shakers designed fordispensing drinks for 2-6 persons, holds from 300 to 900 ml. The volume also depends on the type of instrument:

• Boston - 600-800 ml;
• French – 300-900;
• cobbler – 500-700.

For a home bar, a capacity of 500-600 ml is recommended.

Material

Professional equipment is made of stainless steel . It does not corrode and sparkles beautifully when “shaking” the cocktail. The Boston shaker is also complemented with a tempered glass glass. This material is quite durable and tolerates temperature changes well. Some cobblers also come with a glass container.

There are also plastic models . In a bar, such a device will quickly fail, but for home and sports use it is quite acceptable.

Additional accessories

To make a delicious cocktail, you often need from three to ten ingredients - different types of alcohol, carbonated drinks, fruits, dairy products. Therefore, a bartender cannot do without special devices, including:

strainer - helps to clear the finished cocktail from fruit pulp, foam, ice. With the Boston version, use a julep or Hawthorne strainer. The cobbler contains a strainer inside its design. In Europe, where the French version of the shaker is popular, a round or conical fine strainer is used.

muddler - a pestle with a serrated tip, designed for squeezing out juice and essential oils. Necessary for mixing drinks containing fruits, berries, mint, citrus peels;

bar spoon - a device with an elongated spiral or straight handle. Used for stirring liquids and measuring ingredients.

Shakers are often sold complete with the necessary accessories.

Tightness

Splash protection is one of the key features of the device. The Boston version is considered the most airtight. The combination of a metal base and a glass cup prevents liquid from leaking. The French device is no less reliable, the metal parts of which adhere tightly to each other. The cobbler has the lowest tightness. But this drawback can be easily avoided if you clean the built-in strainer in a timely manner.

Design

The process of preparing a cocktail is a kind of show that attracts the attention of bar visitors. That is why bartenders pay great attention to the external appearance of the instrument - size, shape, decorative details. The most elegant are French shakers with a smooth silhouette. Models with copper or silver plating look especially beautiful.

Vintage products decorated with cast figurines of animals have an interesting design.

In stores you can find shakers with an unusual design - in the shape of a pineapple, a rocket or an old steam locomotive. Such equipment effectively complements the design of the bar and is often used to serve drinks.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a shaker for yourself, pay attention to three factors:

type – for those who are just mastering the art of mixology, a cobbler is suitable. This option is easier to use and does not require a strainer. If you're looking for a gift for an experienced bartender, buy a Boston or French model;

material – a professional bar requires durable tools made of stainless steel and tempered glass. At home, plastic or silicone equipment is appropriate;

size - depends on the number of guests for whom drinks will be mixed. In a restaurant or bar, equipment with a volume of 500-800 ml is required.

The quality of a product is partly determined by price - a good device costs at least 1,500 rubles. A plastic model for sports cocktails will cost 1.5-2 times less.

Finally

A shaker is not just a piece of bar equipment, but an element of a mixologist’s unique image. You may have to try several models before you find a tool that suits your working style.